Shanklin was found to have violated four provisions of the city’s ethics code last month. The commission concluded she used her position on the council to fund an organization–the Petersburg-Newburg Improvement Association–she was associated with and that she hired her grandson to work as her aid.

Attorney Aubrey Williams says he wasn’t surprised by the commission’s decision and has argued the process has been unfair to Shanklin.

The appeal documents also say the commission’s recommendations are based on erroneous findings. Williams writes the commission should have dismissed the original complaint and argues it was based on media reports.

Metro Council recently decided to adopt the commission’s recommendations and move ahead with a removal hearing. This hearing is separate from the Ethics Commission hearing and the appeal in circuit court does not stop the city from moving forward with removal.

“If the council proceeds before the appeal has been litigated, that raises another serious question. A Constitutional question,” says Williams.